NAIOP Minnesota Chapter

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Meet NAIOP Minnesota's Legislative Team

	Kaye Rakow Director of Public Policy (952) 928-7461		Rich Forschler Lobbyist (612) 766-6902

	Pat Mascia Public Policy Committee Chair (952) 543-2926		David Sellergren Land Use Subcommittee Chair (612) 492-7136

Backing up the team are the many members of NAIOP's public policy committee and board of directors, all of whom are active in the commercial real estate industry on a daily basis. Dozens of other individual members regularly devote personal time, energy, and resources to supporting the work of the committee and the board at the grassroots level.

Thank you Penny Per Square Foot Contributors

Click here to see available publications.

	2010 Comparative Tax Study An urgent message to our state’s policymakers … Minnesota’s job-creators are eager to go back to work! NAIOP’s 23rd annual Comparative Tax Study shows that the property tax burden under which Minnesota businesses labor tops all other states in our study but one.
	NAIOP President's Message to Minnesota Business Leaders and State Policymakers: "Supporting Minnesota's economic recovery and assuring future job growth in our state will require policies that restore business confidence and assure investors, risk-takers and employers." -- Doug Fulton, Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield of Minnesota, Inc., 2010 NAIOP Minnesota President Click here to read the balance of NAIOP's message sent to 2000 businesses across the state, members of the Minnesota Legislature, Governor Pawlenty and constitutional officers.
	2010 Property Tax Education Flyer Increasing fixed costs, such as property taxes, on any Minnesota employer in this tough economy will only make it even more difficult for them to retain existing employees and keep them working, let alone create new jobs or bring back workers who have already been laid off.
	Influencing the Process – the 2009 Legislative Session Cover memo from Director of Public Policy on 2009 Legislative Session
	In this special Situation Report, NAIOP Minnesota “connects the dots” with an assessment of the 2009 Legislative Session.
	2009 Comparative Tax Study An urgent message to Minnesota's policymakers...
	2009 Property Tax Education Flyer It is likely that a proposal to increase business property taxes over and above the already projected statewide increase of 8% for 2009 will be on the legislative agenda again this year. In preparation for that debate, it is important that business property taxpayers fully understand Minnesota's dual system of taxing commercial and industrial property. NAIOP in partnership with the Coalition of Minnesota Businesses, the Minnesota Business Partnership and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has developed a special educational flyer explaining that system.
	Setting the stage for the 2009 legislative session. This issue of TaxWatch provides NAIOP members with talking points, facts and figures to use when communicating with policymakers about business property taxes.
	2008 TaxWatch, Issue 2
	Everyone who benefits from reduced C/I property taxes, won by NAIOP’s efforts, should be contributing to the PPSF fund. Your pennies are needed to keep this momentum going. Remember the PPSF fund in your budgets Read what contributors to the PPSF fund are saying.
	NAIOP's 21st Annual Comparative Tax Study
	“Our primary obligation to our PPSF contributors, to our members, and to our tenants is to not give up any of the property tax gains we have worked so hard to achieve.” --Murray Kornberg, 2008 President of NAIOP-Minnesota, interviewed in TaxWatch. Read the entire article in NAIOP’s most recent issue of TaxWatch.
	“Sharing the Wealth” A New NAIOP Publication Designed To Educate Metro Area Commercial And Industrial Property Taxpayers About The Fiscal Disparities Program Click here to read the press release about the Fiscal Disparities publication
	NAIOP's Business Taxation Study, based on a new study from the Minnesota Taxpayers Association. The full study can be found at http://www.mntax.org/research/documents/Businesstax.php Read MTA Press Release Read Star Tribune Editorial on MTA Study

If there is an homeowner property tax affordability crisis, it’s much more likely to be in the metro area, not outstate. A recent report by the Minnesota Department of Revenue provides an important perspective on how significant the ability-to-pay problem really is.
Read the latest Nexus Notes from the Nexus Project, written by Mark Haveman, Executive Director, Minnesota Taxpayers Association and appearing in the July 15th issue of Finance and Commerce.
The short article includes a chart comparing homeowner property tax burdens between metro regions and greater Minnesota regions.
(posted 8-10-10)
NAIOP Minnesota's Nexus Task Force: The Way Forward - Comprehensive Government Redesign
"Government works in a very different way - it is like a dance. 'I will give you what you want, if you give me what I want.' In business, on the other hand, you set an objective, a strategy for achieving it, and the tactics needed to get there. The difference makes changing government really difficult."
- Senator Terri Bonoff meeting with NAIOP's Nexus Task Force
Click Here to read the conversation NAIOP Minnesota had with State Senator's Terri Bonoff and Ann Rest.
(posted 5-21-10)
State view: Legislators: Please listen
By: Michael Norby, Duluth News Tribune
Duluth news tribune commentary cites NAIOP comparative tax study.
“Legislators in St. Paul have seen this data for years, showing the disparity in business climate. But the graph showing tax burdens really struck me this year.”
Read the full article
(posted 4-13-10)
Study: Minneapolis is among pricier cities for corporate HQs
Minneapolis' property taxes were the main reason for its relatively high ranking.
Read more
(posted 4-13-10)
Snapshot of 2009 Public Policy Activities, spearheaded by the Public Policy Committee and Chair, Pat Mascia, Duke Realty Corporation. Thank you to the Board of Directors and all NAIOP members who participated and contributed to our success this past year.
(posted 12-8-09)
"It's ironic that a program (Local Government Aid, or LGA) intended to foster greater equity in local government service delivery across the state creates greater inequity among public employees with respect to health care benefits," notes Mark Haveman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association. "Based on one year of data, LGA is a far greater determinant of differences in health care benefits than any other revenue source."
Press Release
Full Report
www.mntax.org/cpfr
(posted 6-10-09)
State Aid to Cities Enables Greater Spending on Employee Health Care Benefits
On June 9, the Minnesota Taxpayers Association release their report, "Health Care Spending By Minnesota's Cities - Costs, Efficiencies, and the Role of Local Government Aid."
The 2009 Legislative Session: Forschler and Rapp 'Wrap It Up' for the Public Policy Committee
Read a summary of the energetic discussion in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Public Policy Committee meeting on June 4.
(posted 6-10-09)
“We are entering an area of policy and politics in Minnesota that is absolutely unique.”
--Todd Rapp, Himle Horner
“Expect a big fight.”
--Rich Forschler, Faegre & Benson, speaking of the statewide property tax.

On January 8^th, Todd Rapp and Rich Forschler led a discussion at the public policy committee meeting on the state budget outlook and the 2009 legislative session.
Read a brief summary of their presentation.
(posted 1-14-09)
“Minnesota has a long-term structural budget problem, with long term expenditure growth likely to outpace revenue growth.”
--Budget Trends Study Commission Report released on January 12th.
The Budget Trends Study Commission was charged by the 2007 legislature to examine changing demographics and the subsequent fiscal impact on the long-term stability of the state budget. These demographic trends are about to transform Minnesota’s public sector, permanently changing our expectations for economic growth and government services.
Full Report
Executive Summary
(posted 1-14-09)
Falling Revenues and Higher Spending Drive State Budget Outlook
FY 2010-11 revenues will be 1.8% below levels forecast for the 2008-09 biennium, while current law spending is expected to grow by 6.1 percent over FY 2008-09 levels. Projected expenditures are concentrated in health care programs
Highlights of the November Budget Forecast prepared by Minnesota Management & Budget.
(posted 12-9-08)
The Election Is Over. Now What?
Read a summary of the lively presentation and discussion lead by Rich Forschler, Faegre Benson and Todd Rapp, Himle Horner, from the Public Policy Committee meeting last week.
(posted 11-11-08)
Fiscal Rarity
A pioneering system of public financing survives an unusually tough test.
Read Dave Beal's Capital Beat article, written for Twin Cities Business, on the fiscal disparities challenge during the 2008 legislative session.
(posted 11-11-08)
We are pleased to announce that Pat Mascia, Duke Realty, will take over as chair of the Public Policy Committee when the 2-year term of Steve Schwanke, RLK, Inc. expires on September 1^st.

“The greater our focus, I believe the easier it is for us to become involved and the more likely we are to have a significant impact on the course of the debate,” according to Pat. Read more.
(posted 8-4-08)
Eric Anderson, Ryan Companies, will chair the Economic Development Incentive Task Force established to thoroughly and thoughtfully study the issues surrounding development incentives and subsidies and to help determine the most effective contribution NAIOP can make to the debate. The task force is encouraged to “think big” with a 360-degree perspective in a series of research and study sessions.
Read the executive summary of the project.
(posted 8-4-08)
Big Challenges Ahead
Obviously, what happens in Washington next year depends on who gets elected. But lobbyists say a few things are certain: A new president will enter with an ambitious legislative agenda and Congress will continue its work on large complicated bills, like climate change.
Read how the K-Street lobbyists are preparing for 2009 on issues such as climate change, transportation, ethics, regulations, and labor protection.
(posted 7-2-08)
Doug Fulton Named Chair of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Policy Committee
Doug Fulton, currently serving NAIOP’s 1,000 plus members as second vice president, member of its board of directors, and 2010 “president-to-be" has been named chair of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s important Transportation Policy Committee. “With the passage of the landmark transportation funding bill in the 2008 legislature, the focus of the committee will be on the efficient implementation of work and investment in the state’s infrastructure."said Fulton, senior director of Cushman & Wakefield.
Read more about Doug and the work of the MNCC Transportation Policy Committee.
(posted 6-17-08)
Speaking to the Minnesota Chamber’s transportation committee, on April 14th, Bob McFarlin, Acting Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), made the following points concerning transportation funding and HF2800:
- “The nature of HF2800 mandates that the state’s bridges are examined and repaired within 10 years, and also returns MnDOT to bread and butter work—preservation of pavement, preventative maintenance.”
- “Efficiency in transportation means getting to contracts quickly and getting projects done ASAP, not just the amount of construction costs.”
- “HF2800 is going to really, really good things for the state, but setting realistic expectations is very important. There is a lot to invest in but we won’t be able to solve everything for everyone.”
- “We accomplished great things with the 2003 bonding bill and contrary to what some legislators say, the debt from that bonding isn’t an albatross around our necks.”
  (posted 4-17-08)
“The truth is, as a department, we do want to support the economic development of local communities and of the state,” but, in this new reality, “all of us may have to lower our expectations” in terms of highway speed, driving times and congestion.
Peggy Reichert, MnDOT, spoke to the public policy committee at their April meeting.
Click here for a summary of her presentation.
(posted 4-11-08)
Triple Five Again Seeks MofA Expansion Rebate
(posted 4-11-08)
"Real estate groups spar with Mall of America over funding"
Article from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, April 4, 2008
(posted 4-7-08)
"We respectfully request that legislators oppose the use of the metro fiscal disparities pool to subsidize the MOA Phase II."
Letter from the Citizens League to members of the Minnesota Senate, April 2, 2008
(posted 4-7-08)
"Spend Smart and Live Within Your Means" message for the state's projected
$935 million budget shortfall.
(posted 3-11-08)
February 2008 State Budget Forecast for FY 2008-09
Quick snapshot prepared by the CMB (Coalition of Minnesota Businesses)
(posted 3-11-08)
NAIOP's 3-Point Position on Fiscal Disparities
(posted 3-5-08)
Chapter Wins Publication of the Year Award
The Minnesota chapter won "Publication of the Year" at the NAIOP Chapter Merit Awards in Washington, D.C. on February 11th for "Family Night at the Movies!".

"Family Night at the Movies!" is a publication detailing how business property taxes are a regressive tax that every Minnesota family pays through the products and services they buy.
Download the full publication
(posted 2-13-08)
Short Bonding Session to Convene on March 12th Amid Budget Shortfall Concerns
Minnesota Session Preview prepared by Faegre Benson.
(posted 2-11-08)
Bonding Session? What is a Bonding Session?
(posted 2-11-08)
“Business seems to be getting a tainted view of the economy from the media reports they read, at the same time that they see their own businesses receiving solid orders and enjoying steady growth.” Toby Madden, Regional Economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, speaking to a standing-room only group of NAIOP members at the January public policy committee meeting.
Read a summary of Mr. Madden’s comments.
(posted 1-16-08)
Governor Pawlenty announces 2008 bonding proposal - Transportation/infrastructure accounts for the largest portion of the proposal – nearly 40% of the entire package.
Read the key points.
Read the summary of recommended projects
(posted 1-16-08)
Behind the numbers: A simple one-page look at the November 2007 State Budget Forecast for FY2008-09 (7-01-07 to 6-30-09).
(posted 1-16-08)
A task force of savvy NAIOP members was formed to develop a policy position on the Fiscal Disparities Program, funded entirely by C-I property taxes in the seven-county area, in preparation for the 2008 legislative session. Read their final report.
(posted 12-11-07)
NAIOP members in Senate District 60 met with their state legislative delegation: Speaker of the House, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Senator Scott Dibble and Representative Frank Hornstein.
Read quotes taken from the meeting concerning the Minnesota’s economic climate, the budget, transportation, public pensions, education, government spending, etc
(posted 12-11-07)
“The business community has a responsibility to get educated and involved in the fiscal disparities debate.”
--Representative Ann Lenczewski, DFL, Bloomington and Chair of the House Tax Committee speaking to the Minnesota Chamber Fiscal Policy Committee on November 1, 2007.
Read a quick snapshot of her comments to the committee.
(posted 11-5-07)
"Border battle for business is going strong"
St. Paul Pioneer Press, Dave Beal, October 7, 2007
NAIOP's Comparative Tax Study referenced in article.
(posted 10-16-07)
Clean Water: An Emerging Challenge to NAIOP Developers
Mike Robertson, Policy Consultant on Clean Water to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the October 1st Public Policy Committee Meeting
(posted 10-16-07)
Transportation Now A ‘Front & Center Issue’ For NAIOP
(posted 9-11-07)
Governor Pawlenty continues to hold the position that scheduling a potential special session will be contingent upon detailed agreement being reached between legislative leadership and his office.
Read his latest letter to DFL Legislative Leadership
(posted 9-11-07)
On August 22, a select group of NAIOP members held a fundraiser for Governor Tim Pawlenty to thank him for supporting our organization and the business community.
View event highlights & photos
(posted 9-4-07)
Who Says The State Isn’t Spending Enough?
$55.4 billion—Total State Spending For The 2008-90 Biennium
View General Fund spending by department as enacted by the 2007 legislature
(posted 7-17-07)
Craig Patterson and Kaye Rakow send letters to Senator Coleman and Senator Klobuchar regarding the amendment to the Clean Energy Act of 2007.
Read letter
(posted 6-21-07)
Statewide, the 2007 taxable market value for commercial industrial properties increased by 11% from 2006 with a property tax increase of 7.3%
Click here for the full report from House Research.
(posted 5-4-07)
The statewide market value for commercial industrial properties is projected to increase for taxes payable in 2008 by 9.6% with a projected property tax increase of 6.8%
Click here for the full report from House Research.
(posted 5-4-07)
Letter to NAIOP Members from Governor Pawlenty
(posted 4-5-07)
"Spend our tax dollars wisely. Pay for those things that work. But stop paying for the things that don't."
Read the complete commentary as published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on April 3, 2007 by Glen Dorfman, CEO, Minnesota Association of Realtors and Kaye Rakow, Director of Public Policy, NAIOP
(posted 4-4-07)
NAIOP members joined hundreds of Minnesota business leaders at Business Morning at the Capitol on March 14.
Click here to read comments from the Governor's address.
(posted 3-20-07)
NAIOP 2007 Property Tax Talking Points
This simple bullet point format makes it easy for you to communicate NAIOP's property tax points to legislators and colleagues.
(posted 3-8-07)
Minnesotans Believe State Legislature Needs To Spend Smarter And Set Better Priorities, Rather Than Propose Tax Increases
First ever "Citizen Compass," a survey conducted by the Coalition of Minnesota Businesses, identifies property tax relief, local schools and health care as State's key issues.
Cover Memo to State Legislators
Press Release
Executive Summary
Full Report
(posted 3-8-07)
Spend Smart
NAIOP and the Minnesota Association of Realtors have partnered on the Spend Smart campaign and will be placing ads in targeted legislative districts across Minnesota. Click on the links below to see the ads.
Squeeze every penny out of the surplus. Not the taxpayer.
Spend the $2.2 billion wisely and keep the economy on a roll.
What tax increases will do to the Minnesota economy.
(posted 3-8-07)
Spend Smart Principles
(posted 3-8-07)
Defending Eminent Domain article by Susan Feyder from the Minneapolis Star Tribune
(posted 3-9-06)
NAIOP Minnesota partners with area associations to develop
Ten Guiding Principles of Eminent Domain
(posted 2-28-06)
Toward a Lean and Less-Mean State Government: Dan McElroy, Senior Advisor on Innovation to Governor Pawlenty, speaks to NAIOP's Public Policy Committee
Public Policy Committee Announces "Feedback Forum", Real World Experiences from the Leading Edge of Economic Growth, chaired by Peter Kordonowy, Steiner Development.
Snapshot: State Building Permit Surcharge - A "Hidden" Tax on Minnesota Developers and Businesses
Snapshot: 2004 Effective Property Tax Rates
Read the Coalition of Minnesota Businesses 2005 Legislative Wrap Up on Fiscal, Education, and Health Care policies. NAIOP and other CMB members coordinated grassroots efforts on property taxes and other fiscal issues during the 2005 legislative session.
In the Press David Kordonowy, President, Steiner Development and Jeff Eaton, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Services, United Properties submitted letters to the editor in community newspapers opposing increases to the Statewide Property Tax:

Read Dave Kordonowy¹s letter: "Raising property taxes not the right move"

Read Jeff Eaton¹s letter: "Senate should ax the business tax"

"Getting the Job done-right," Read Representative Barb Sykora¹s editorial in the July 7th issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Refer to the highlighted areas for her response to attempts to increase taxes on businesses, particularly the Statewide Property Tax. Approximately 35 NAIOP members live in Representative Sykora¹s district, (33B) and they have been communicating with her during the legislative session.
Becky McDaniel retires as Chair of Public Policy Committee. Read More.
Study Released: Minnesota's "Hidden" Funds Originally created by Minnesota legislative action to serve special needs, "Hidden" Funds today represent more than $9 billion in annual spending, much of it, according to the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, "hidden" from taxpayers and largely unexamined in the press and by the legislature. Read More.

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